Senators back bombing raids on Iraqi sites

CLOVIS - Both of New Mexico's U.S. senators spoke out Friday in defense of the Allied bombing of some of Iraq's military facilities.

The strikes by U.S. and British forces targeted facilities such as Iraqi radar systems that were deemed to be threatening to American pilots and their Allies, U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., said.

"What the United States and the United Kingdom did (Friday) was to say to Saddam Hussein that you cannot build facilities that are capable of destroying our airplanes," Domenici said. "Thankfully, the mission was successful. I support the effort and am grateful for the British and Allied support."

"Our attacks were justified in response to an increase in anti-aircraft activity Iraq has been involved in," Bingaman said. "Attacks on the command and control centers were designed to dissuade that level of anti-aircraft activity, and I hope our effort will be successful."

Domenici said he believes Friday's strikes were a necessary part of the continuing mission that has been a vital part of trying to keep Allied forces safe for the last decade.

"Our military has been patrolling and bombing within the no-fly zones since the end of the Gulf War," Domenici said. "(Friday's) strikes outside of the Southern Watch no-fly zone were specific to five command and control anti-aircraft sites.

"These strikes were clearly designed to ensure the safety of U.S. and British pilots and aircraft in their routine mission. As long as we have our men and women enforcing the no-fly zones in southern and northern Iraq, we must use every means to minimize any dangers they may face."